March 14, 2019

I am so excited to introduce you to this next vendor as part of my Vendor Highlight mini blog series! This little project I’ve started has given me the fun opportunity of getting to meet one on one with each of these vendors. There’s a handful of these incredibly creative and awesome vendors I have followed on social media for a long time, but never had the pleasure of meeting in person until now! I really enjoy meeting and getting to know friends over coffee or a drink, learning more about them, their business and what inspires them!

This week I met up with Kelly of Southern Bloom! Kelly and I have had some of the same brides – I’m obsessed with her work – so it was fun to finally meet her, chat about her business, life as women entrepreneurs, owning small businesses, the wedding world and styled shoot dreams. We have very similar style taste and both have a desire to dive more into the Fine Art Wedding world.

Mary Kate: Tell me about your business. What do you love most about your business?

Kelly: “I would describe Southern Bloom as southern, elegant with some edgy. Southern Bloom has been around for five years, I’ve been full-time for three. Growing up I have always loved flowers and entertaining. My Grandma loved flowers, too! About five years ago, one of my friend’s was getting married. Knowing that I love flowers, planning etc, my friend asked if I’d like to help with the reception table centerpieces and decor. This was my first gig and was excited she asked! Long story short, my friend had hired a florist to design the bouquets and boutonnières. She ended up not liking them at all and asked if I was willing to take them and create new ones. So I helped create new florals for her wedding – one her wedding day, and the rest is history! Southern Bloom was created and through word of mouth, mostly, I booked more and more weddings. My business grew very organically.

I absolutely love weddings – have loved them since I was a child – and I love details. I also love to help people! I love that having my own business gives me the freedom to make creative decisions, put creative things out in the world and make someone’s day! Another thing I love to do is volunteer in the city. Having my own business allows me to give my time doing that. I volunteer at the Make A Wish Foundation! I am a Wish Granter and also serve on the Associates Board. It is so rewarding and has helped me network and connect with people!

Mary Kate: What inspires you? What inspired you to start Southern Bloom?

Kelly: “Colors, patterns, and textures inspire me! Bouquets are my favorite thing to make! My bouquets have a lot of texture and color! I love to help people and I saw a need and ran with it. I love bringing prettiness into the world and a bride’s wedding day vision to life!

Mary Kate: What are some goals you have for Southern Bloom – this year or in the future?

Kelly: “I am in the beginning stages or rebranding. Southern Bloom is floral design, wedding coordination and event planning. I want to bring those things together and have a cohesive look! Another goal I have is to offer my clients a product! I’m not sure what that is or what that will look like, but I am excited to see where that goes!

Mary Kate: What tips do you have for future and current brides?

Kelly: “1. I really encourage brides to be more open minded to including more colors to their wedding color palette. I think brides fear adding too many colors, but I really encourage them think about expanding their palettes. Colors really add to wedding design and as you know, photos. So tip number one, don’t be scared to explore more colors!

2. This is a big one, but hire vendors you trust. When you trust your vendors and give them the reins, you can truly enjoy your day!

3. I encourage brides to be realistic about their day. Truth is, hiccups happen. That’s where hiring good vendors is important. When a hiccup happens, you can trust that your vendors will do whatever they can to help fix whatever the hiccup is! Also, bonus tip: don’t sweat the small stuff and have fun!”

I hope you all enjoyed getting to know about Kelly and her small business, Southern Bloom! Thank you 17 Berkshire for letting us shoot in your beautiful store front! Kelly, thank you so much for meeting up with me! I’m so glad we finally got to hang out and get to know one another!

xoxo, MK

Lynn Gore

March 14th, 2019 at 11:41 pm

Great blog to a wonderful designer! Kelly and Southern Bloom are awesome! Beautiful florals!